Energy Grid Workforce & Innovation: The NSF is backing a $160M “Grid Modernization Engine” across 36 counties in the Carolinas, with York Technical College in Rock Hill leading workforce development for a more reliable, tech-forward power grid. Data Centers & Power Scrutiny: South Carolina’s $80M push to attract data centers is drawing questions about what projects deliver, as communities weigh energy demand and job impacts. Nuclear/AI Infrastructure: DC BLOX was picked for a DOE/NNSA consortium to pursue a phased lease for an AI data center and dedicated energy generation at the Savannah River Site. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states over potential cyclospora risk, including South Carolina; the FDA later walked back an earlier cyclospora test as a false positive while testing continues. Workforce Training Policy: Gov. Henry McMaster designated DEW to implement the Workforce Pell Grant program, aiming to fund short job-training credentials. Mining Council: The S.C. Mining Council meets July 22 at SCDES in Columbia. Tech/Manufacturing Research: Rutgers researchers developed safer, cheaper lithium-ion battery current collectors, with a South Carolina-based consortium now helping move the tech toward market. Local Business Growth: Georgetown County’s Minority Business Accelerator graduated 15 entrepreneurs, bringing the total to 82. Sports/Community: USC Upstate launched/expands an esports program with coaching and academic support for students.